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Resolution Circle Welkom Campus Secures Funding for Artisan Training Programme to Empower 40 Learners

 

Resolution Circle Welkom Campus Secures Funding for Artisan Training Programme to Empower 40 Learners

 

Welkom, South Africa – [date] – Resolution Circle Welkom Campus, a premier institution dedicated to advancing technical education and bridging the gap between education and industry, is excited to announce the receipt of substantial funding from the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA). This initiative will support a groundbreaking Artisan Training Programme designed to qualify 40 learners as skilled artisans, marking a significant step in driving economic growth and addressing the skills gap in the Welkom community.

The newly funded programme is designed to equip learners with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in various artisanal trades. By combining rigorous coursework with hands-on training, the programme prepares participants for successful careers as qualified artisans in high-demand fields.

 

Key Highlights of the Artisan Training Programme:

  1. Comprehensive Training: The programme offers a detailed curriculum covering essential artisanal trades such as welding, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical fitting. Learners will receive both in-depth instruction and hands-on practice, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet industry demands.

 

  1. Enhanced Training Facilities: With the support of the funding, Resolution Circle Welkom Campus will upgrade its training facilities, introducing state-of-the-art tools and equipment. This investment will create an optimal learning environment that mirrors real-world conditions, enabling learners to gain valuable, practical experience.

 

  1. Industry Collaboration: The programme will involve close collaboration with industry leaders and experts, ensuring that the training provided is aligned with current industry standards and requirements. These partnerships will also facilitate opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for the learners.

 

  1. Certification and Employability: Upon completion of the programme, learners will receive recognised certifications that qualify them as skilled artisans. This certification will enhance their employability and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.

 

  1. Community Impact: The artisan training programme is expected to have a positive impact on the Welkom community by addressing the local skills gap and contributing to economic development. Graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to support local industries and drive innovation within their trades.

 

Ricky White, Operations Manager at Resolution Circle Welkom Campus, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative by saying, “We are excited and grateful for the funding that will enable us to launch this vital artisan training program. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality technical education and creating opportunities for our learners to achieve their full potential as skilled professionals.”

 

About Resolution Circle Welkom Campus:

Resolution Circle Welkom Campus is a leading institution dedicated to delivering innovative and practical training programmes. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in technical careers. Through strong industry partnerships and community engagement, Resolution Circle Welkom Campus strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of its learners and the economic development of the region.

Reflections on the Annual Training Reports(ATR)/Work Skills Plan(WSP) submissions due on 30 Apr

In South Africa, 30 Apr was the deadline for the annual submissions of the Annual Training Reports(ATR) and Work Skills Plans(WSP) to the respective Sector Education Training Authorities(SETAs) for companies that pay the Skills Development Levy(SDL). The purpose is to track the progress of employees in terms of their training over the prior year and to share the intended training for the year ahead. It also assists the SETAs to develop the Sector Skills Plans(SSP) which is a reflection of the skills needed in the respective sectors.

Like many of the acts and regulations in South Africa, one can either comply with what is requested at a minimum (like a grudge purchase) or strive to achieve what was intended in the first place with the WSP. If what is submitted is merely an administrative activity and there was no intention to leverage the opportunity, it might be worth re-considering for the coming year, but it is possible to take action in the short term already. One would have to delve deeper into the annual WSP to address the challenges and barriers. Some can be addressed within a year, others will take longer. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be able to address them though. In terms of succession management there might be employees that need to be developed to attain what management is hoping they will achieve over a reasonable period of time.

The ATR reflects the skills development of the employees during the prior period. As this is our focus area, not only for own our employees, but also for other companies, we believe significant strides can be made by addressing this. Some of our clients claim significant improvement in productivity as a result of up- or reskilling their employees.

Forward thinking companies are building a skills pipeline, years ahead of when they will actually need them, so beyond the annual WSP. Companies that are active in managing their ATRs and WSPs can also claim back tax incentives under certain conditions.

Companies can consider these kind of interventions by SARS as the rules of engagement or as a platform to leverage opportunities. Which path will your company follow ?

If you need help to manage your ATR and WSP plans simply contact Gideon Potgieter at Resolution Circle to book a consultation.

www.resolutioncircle.co.za

If you need help to manage your ATR and WSP plans simply contact our consultants at Resolution Circle to book a consultation.

info@resolutioncircle.co.za

Resolution Circle executive delivers keynote at the SETA skills summit and launch of the SETA integrated high impact programme

Mr. Sibusiso Shange spoke at the SETA SUMMIT and Launch of the SETA Integrated High Impact Programmes. Mr Shange is the Deputy General Secretary of the SASCE and a Resolution Circle Executive in Workshop Training and Internships.

The purpose of the Summit is to provide an opportunity for the sector to reflect on its execution of the mandate of skills development based on the findings of the Department of Higher Education (DHET) mid-term review, and the need to set a strategic trajectory for the next five years (2025-2030).

His topic focused on: Collaboration between SETAs and industry in strengthening the provisioning of WBL programmes, and responding to the occupational shortages and skills gaps identified in the province’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery strategy. 

Some highlights in his address include:

Ingredients for creating employable graduate

       Enabling Government Policies and incentives (HRD Strategy and National framework on WBL)

       Level of collaboration between Industry, Society, and Educational Institution (To create alignment between demand side future expectations and supply side strategies)

       Extend to which industry is open to creating experiential learning opportunities (Leveraging WIL to fuel  Industry talent pipeline strategies)

       Level to which Educational Institution is committed to WIL (Policy, Strategy, Implementation and quality assurance) 

Benefits for industry

       Shape the profile of future labour market profile and relevant costs (irrelevant and incompetent workforce is very costly)

       Relevant available Graduates = Relevant Talent Pool to recruit from

       Infusion of new ideas to the workplace during experiential learning and in subsequent employment

        Implemented WBL Placements counts in the priority Skills Development component of BBBEE score

Conclusion

             To build a relevant pipeline there must be alignment between supply-side strategies and future economy demand expectations from the labour market (labour market profile and preferable relevant quantities meet or exceed market demand) – Institution & Industry Collaboration is key

             The higher the match between Demand Side expectations and the Supply Side profile the higher the employable population 

             The higher the level of employability of our graduates the greater the chances of absorption in available job opportunities and the lesser the contribution of labour market profile to structural unemployment. 

             The global labour market is the playground for the excess of employable workforce therefore our preoccupation ought to be supplying more than local demand with employable graduates.

 Collaboration between Educational Institutions and Demand Side stakeholders is key for employability. If you need a strategic consultation around key programmes for your institution please contact Mr. Sibusiso Shange: at Shange.sibusiso@resolutioncircle.co.za

In the photo: Mr. Sibusiso Shange with the main sponsor and ETDPSETA CEO. Mrs. Sesi Nxesi

Resolution Circle, in partnership with University of Johannesburg,  launches Revamped Technical Training Centre in Welkom

Welkom, South Africa – March 15, 2024 – Resolution Circle, a leading ecosystem for technical training solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its newly revamped training centre in Welkom today. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Resolution Circle’s commitment to enhancing technical education and fostering industry partnerships.

Initially established in 1981 under the stewardship of Anglo American and spearheaded by Snyman Naude as its designer and inaugural Manager, the training centre in Welkom has a rich history within the local industry. Owned by Harmony Gold Mining Company, the building has served as a cornerstone for technical education in the region. Following the departure of Adcorp Technical Training, the centre faced uncertainty about its future, but Harmony Gold Mining Company has graciously extended the lease, demonstrating their commitment to education and skills development. Now, Resolution Circle has taken the reins, embarking on a journey to revitalise and modernise the facility. Their dedication ensures the centre’s continued role in advancing technical education and fostering industry partnerships within the community.

With a strong affiliation with the University of Johannesburg, Resolution Circle brings credibility and expertise to the forefront of its operations. This partnership underscores Resolution Circle’s commitment to collaboration and excellence in technical training.

“Resolution Circle is thrilled to introduce our brand to the community of Welkom and reinforce our pledge to enhance industry relationships,” said Gideon Potgieter, CEO at Resolution Circle. “Our mission is to create a centre of excellence in technical training, with the University of Johannesburg as our valued partner.”

The revamped training centre will offer turn-key skills development solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of institutions and industries. In addition to its traditional focus on apprenticeships, Resolution Circle offers other categories such as Candidacy, Short Learning Programs, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for TVET College and University of Technology Engineering diploma students.

“Our focus sectors include Education, Energy, Gas & Water, Manufacturing, Mining and Transport,” added Gideon Potgieter “For the Welkom site specifically, we will expand into Agriculture, Agro-Processing and Renewable Energy, reflecting the region’s unique needs and opportunities.”
To find out more about the training centre , or to register to do one of our programs, contact +27(0)51 010 0111 or visit https://resolutioncircle.co.za.
About Resolution Circle:
Resolution Circle is a leading technical training provider offering a wide range of programs tailored to address the skills required in today’s rapidly evolving technical landscape. Committed to fostering a mindset, skillset, and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution, Resolution Circle provides turnkey solutions and value-added services to clients. With a focus on relevance and continual improvement, Resolution Circle remains at the forefront of technical education.

New Training centre in the Northwest province opens

We have not seen many new training centres opening in South Africa in recent years.

Because of short supply of qualified artisans, it is great news for South Africa when a new training centre like the Kitso Ya Boleng (KYB) Academy Technical Training facility in the Northwest province opens.

It is generally accepted that South Africa does not have sufficient Apprentices in the pipeline. Proximity to local communities is often a hurdle for potential Apprentices, which means they either need to commute over long distances or find accommodation far away. By having a training centre closer to communities makes it more accessible.

The opening of this new centre coincided with the Worlds Skills National competition that took place in the Ethekwini metro. Contestants competed in 3 of the 9 technical trades offered by KYB, namely Automobile Technology, Electrical Installations and Welding.

The World Skill Global competition will take place in Lyon, France later this year. South Africa will compete in a total of 24 different technical and vocational skills categories. Resolution Circle will be quite involved in the CNC Turning, Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics categories.

Vocational training a viable alternative to Matric

Vocational training a viable alternative to Matric

Last week saw the release of the latest Matric results. And just like every year, there has been controversy surrounding what many refer to as the pass rate versus the ‘real’ pass rate. Irrespective of that, South Africans may need to change their mindsets that getting your Grade 12 qualification and going on to university for a degree is the be-all and end-all of finding a job.

People tend to forget that having a Grade 9 allows a learner to continue their studies in post-school education and training that can be at a Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) college. In fact, overseas it is an accepted course of action in countries like Germany and the Netherlands taking great pride in the skills gained at a TVET level. To the uninitiated, TVET focuses on artisanal skills such as boilermakers, diesel mechanics, electricians and welders. These skills are what keeps our factories running. Furthermore, TVET also enables the learner to further their studies by opening more opportunities to gain additional qualifications.

So, why does the perception persist in the country that learners must matriculate, go to university for a degree, and then find a job? This is not an easy question to answer, but it can be attributed to how parents and the learners themselves are not fully aware of the potential of vocational training. Certainly, if the learner wants to go into a specialist field such as becoming an accountant, lawyer, doctor, engineer, and so on, this is the required course of action. But if the focus is not on attaining such a qualification, why go to university in the first place? Potentially, this can leave the student (or parents) with significant debt and a degree that they might not be able to get full value from.

In many developed economies, only a small percentage of the top learners go to university with the majority pursuing vocational training. The point is that learners do not have to spend two additional years in school if an internationally accepted alternative path is open to them.

Preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

More recently, the government has been pushing a technology-driven agenda to meet the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Some might argue that this is heavily reliant on degreed students. And yet, the digital world requires more than just office workers.

Irrespective of how connected and technology-enabled society becomes, there will always be a need for artisans. The potential of automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can only do so much. Human resources, especially those with technical and vocational skills will remain integral to how we live and work.

Additionally, learners at Grade 9 level already have sufficient knowledge to learn how to build and program robots. Having the language skills in place to master grammar and spelling to code properly and a basic understanding of maths form the foundation of going into robotics and even the Internet of Things. Following Grade 9, learners can go on a vocational path to get the qualifications for both these career choices that will be essential in the future.

Already, training providers have started developing short programmes and courses built around 4IR. Given how many of the jobs of the future do not exist yet, this provides learners with exciting opportunities to be at the forefront of innovation and go beyond many of the traditional options available to them.

And when compared to other countries when it comes to vocational training, South Africa performs better than middle income countries like Brazil and Turkey, according to the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Review.

Private sector importance

Refocusing on vocational training is not only the responsibility of parents, learners, and the government. The private sector also has a critical role to play in this regard. Currently, the challenge for those doing vocational training is what happens after the theory is completed. Yes, students will receive a certificate but still lack vital job experience.

If these students want to go into formal apprenticeships to register as artisans, there are not that many opportunities available to them. More needs to be done to change this.

However, much of this comes down to securing the required corporate funding to give more students access to experiential training that is currently highly oversubscribed. From a business perspective, sponsoring these initiatives make sense. It assists corporates with their B-BBEE compliance and enable them to claim back a percentage of this expenditure against their skills development levy payments over the course of the financial year. These claims apply whether they send their own employees for upskilling, or if they sponsor learners with their workshop and experiential training programmes.

No matter how you look at it, this is not an easy problem to solve. Skills development must remain at the forefront of the government and corporate agenda. But what is vital is that parents and learners realise that there are options open to them other than only relying on Grade 12 and a university degree. The economic growth of the country depends on it.

Workplace-based learning programmes to address skills shortages

By Mc’Kyla Nortje (Journalist) and  edited by Zandile Mavuso – Creamer Media 

Business development service ProudAfrique Human Capital has partnered with the University of Johannesburg’s training hub, Resolution Circle, to provide focused workplace-based learning programmes for the plastics manufacturing, computer numerical control (CNC) and injection-moulding industries.

These programmes were introduced last year and will be available for businesses this year as well, says ProudAfrique Human Capital director Deon Oberholzer.

“The workplace-based learning programmes were designed to address the shortage of qualified skills in the plastics manufacturing industry and are accredited with Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority, or Merseta. On successful completion of each programme, a certificate of competence will be issued.”

There are several programmes available, ranging from two to eight months, and each programme typically consists of a theory component (35%) as well as practical and on-the-job training (65%).

Most of the theory section for this plastics manufacturing/CNC qualification is also delivered as a form of on-the-job training, adds Oberholzer.

Further, these programmes are categorised as Category B skills programmes in the learning matrix of the amended black economic-empowerment (BEE) codes.

This category has a mixed-mode delivery of institutional instruction and supervised learning. The learning achieved at the end of training must be a combination of theoretical knowledge and workplace experience, with set requirements that result in a certificate being issued by an accredited institution of learning.

One of the main benefits of opting for programmes that qualify under Category B is that employee salaries spend under the programme is included in the recognised skills expenditure, says Oberholzer. Companies can also apply for services sector education and training authority (Seta) funding.

The programmes are also designed to maximise BEE recognition and the benefit that companies get to improve their BEE scorecards. The inclusion of salaries and potential Seta funding reduces the direct cost and as Category B programmes, participants are also included in the headcount targets of the skills development element of empowerment legislation.

Moreover, Oberholzer highlights that, owing to the shortage of qualified skills in the plastics manufacturing industry, companies are advised to play a role in equipping people with the relevant training and practical skills.

“Apprentice programmes provide good entry-level education, as well as crucial on-the-job training and experience; for companies, workplace-based learnership programmes are an effective way to build the skills and competencies they need to remain competitive as a business.”

ProudAfrique Human Capital expects companies to move towards adapted business strategies that are not only about survival but also expansion and growing their businesses, which includes learnerships and workplace-based learning programmes.